The Sic ‘Em Podcast (Ep. 44): VJ Edgecombe

Bears’ QB Competition Heats Up

With Baylor’s season opener on the horizon, the competition for the starting quarterback position has become even more intense. Sophomore Blake Shapen and redshirt freshman Richard Reese have both shown flashes of brilliance during fall camp, but it remains to be seen who will emerge as the leader of the Bears’ offense.
Shapen, a former four-star recruit, started the first five games of the 2021 season before suffering a season-ending injury. He completed 65.5% of his passes for 940 yards and five touchdowns, but he also threw six interceptions.
Reese, a former three-star recruit, redshirted during the 2021 season. He has impressed the coaching staff with his arm strength and athleticism, but he has yet to take a meaningful snap in a college game.

Edgecombe to Miss Remainder of Season

Baylor suffered a major blow to its defense on Monday when it was announced that redshirt junior defensive end Vic “V.J.” Edgecombe will miss the remainder of the season with a torn ACL.
Edgecombe, a preseason All-Big 12 selection, is one of the most talented players on Baylor’s defense. He started all 13 games in 2021 and recorded 45 tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss, and 4.5 sacks.
The Bears will now have to rely on their depth at defensive end. Sophomore Gabe Hall and redshirt freshman Jermaine Johnson are expected to step into starting roles, and true freshman A.J. Morris could also see increased playing time.

Bears Look Ahead to BYU

After opening the season against Albany on Sept. 3, the Bears will travel to Provo, Utah, to face BYU on Sept. 10.
The Cougars are a perennial powerhouse in the independent ranks and are coming off a 10-3 season in 2021.
BYU is led by quarterback Jaren Hall, who threw for 3,084 yards and 20 touchdowns last season.
The Bears will need to play their best game of the season if they want to pull off the upset on the road.